Developer proposes boomer community in inner city suburb
LOS ANGELES: A major developer has submitted plans for a flashy new $22.4m residential complex that would dramatically reshape one of Sydney’s premiere harbourside streets.
The development, submitted by Fortis to North Sydney Council last week, proposes a five-storey complex at 171-173 High St with views out to Kirribilli and Careening Cove.
If approved, the development would knock down two brick flats from the 1930s and replace them with a single structure housing 10 upscale apartments, swimming pools and basement parking for 15 cars.
Three-bed units range in size from 152 sqm to 266 sqm and there are two two-bed units at 96 sqm.
The design by PBD architects presents a “contemporary architectural expression”, planning documents state.
Only three storeys would be visible from the street with the basement submerged below ground level.
Fortis argues the development is “sympathetic” to the “inter-war” heritage of the surrounding area.
“The existing 1930s residential buildings at 171–173 High Street are neutral items within the Careening Cove Heritage Conservation Area, have undergone significant modifications, are not easily visible from the street and are not of individual heritage significance,” the documents state.
“Their removal will not detract from the area’s heritage values. The proposed five-storey residential development has been designed to align with the bulk, scale, setbacks, and architectural character of surrounding buildings, maintaining key view corridors and ensuring compatibility with nearby heritage items.
“The new development provides a continuity of the form to the streetscape, while creating increased amenity and improved apartment facilities to meet contemporary standards in keeping with the ongoing use of the site for private residential purposes.”
High Street is a highly sought-after address in North Sydney, ending in Kesterton Park and the North Sydney Wharf ferry stop.
The 3-bed house at 119 High Street sold for $4.65m in September last year.
The cost of Fortis’ development is estimated at $22.4m, according to planning documents.
Fortis is a prominent builder of luxury residential and commercial projects across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
It is also expanding into South Australia with plans for a new $80m apartment project in Adelaide’s CBD.